Universal: New Harry Potter area will open July 8

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Diagon Alley," which features shops, dining experiences and the next-generation thrill ride at Universal Orlando, will officially open on July 8.ASSOCIATED PRESS/UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

By Tamara Lush, Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The new Harry Potter-themed area at Universal Orlando Resort is set to open early next month.

Universal officials announced Wednesday that the new Happy Potter attraction at Universal Studios Park will open July 8. It will double the size of the Harry Potter landscape in the park and will be tied via the Hogwarts Express train to the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Island of Adventure.

The new area's centerpiece ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, will take visitors into Gringotts bank to help retrieve a magical object and re-create a scene from the popular book and movie series.

If fans want to see both parks, a two-park ticket is required. For adults, a two-park ticket for one day costs $136; for children, it's $130.

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